Hin Lad Waterfall Koh Samui — hike in from Nathon (2026)

Getting there by scooter

Hin Lad Waterfall Koh Samui is inland from Nathon, on the west side. From Chaweng I take the ring road, the 4169, north to Nathon — the shorter coast run. The long way around the south coast is the same asphalt, only more kilometres before the hill starts. Take the bends steadily on the 4169.

Nathon is the nearest coast town. From there the road turns inland and climbs to Wat Namtok Hin Lat. The final approach to the temple is gentle; the steeper ground is farther on towards the waterfall. In my experience it is paved to the trailhead; take the bends slowly and brake before them. Park by the temple, and ask about trail conditions after rain.

The temple approach is gentle. For choosing a scooter — see 50cc or 125cc before you rent. I do not ride this hill after dark: bends are harder to judge in the dark.

At the fall, and how long to stay

The scooter stops at the temple. From there the Hin Lad waterfall hike near Nathon is on foot, under the trees. I treat it as a short jungle walk, not a trek. Minutes depend on mud, so ask at the temple that morning.

You come for the fall and the pool beneath it. In a dry spell it can be a thin sheet on the rock; after rain it runs properly. Get in only if you can see the bottom and the current is lazy — look first, do not jump. The rock is wet either way, so wear shoes with grip, not flip-flops.

I allow roughly an hour and a half to two hours: in, time at the water, out. Longer if you sit at the temple. Carry water, and eat in Nathon before the climb — I would not count on food up the path.

When to go

Go in the morning. The fall is under the canopy, so this is not a sunset stop, and the ride down is easier in daylight. The forest gets heavy and hot by late morning. I leave Nathon early and I am off the hill before the worst of the heat.

October to December is the rain season, and that is when Hin Lad looks like a waterfall rather than wet rock. The same rain slicks the trail and lifts oil on the road for the first minutes of a shower. If it is pouring, wait in Nathon. Wet roads and night riding are covered on the rain and night page; this hill is a clear case of both.

What to combine it with

This stop is already on the waterfalls route, 69.3 km as mapped. Hin Lad is the west leg, above Nathon. I give it a morning of its own, then drop back to the coast. For a second fall the same day I add Na Muang 1, and I start early — the day becomes about the riding between them.

The Samui Coconut Farm Museum is about 1.2 km from the temple in a straight line. I stop only if it is open; check at the entrance. Take fuel in Nathon before the climb. Nathon is also an option for the evening after your walk.

Questions